If you continue removing the foundation stones from what was beginning to look
like a world-class team, at some point it will collapse. In announcing his
side to play the first international in Auckland, however, Stuart Lancaster
insisted yesterday that his England team were nowhere near that point.

Nevertheless, the build-up to Saturday will be a nervous one for the head
coach because the latest news from the injury department is that Danny Care,
his outstanding scrum half, is doubtful and will be required to pass a late
fitness test to make the team.